Jason Brown Joins Women's Soccer Staff as New Assistant Coach
7/22/2026 2:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - The University of San Francisco (USF) women's soccer program and interim head coach Alexis Mata announced today the hiring of Jason Brown as assistant coach.
"Jason brings extensive knowledge and experience across elite European academy environments, international football, and top-level youth development in the United States," said Mata. "His work ethic speaks for itself. He shares our values of developing the person as well as the athlete, and has a strong desire to help grow this program. We're excited to have him join our staff."
Brown comes to the Hilltop after most recently coaching in elite youth development in the United States, where he worked with both Girls Academy and MLS NEXT players. Earlier in his career, he served as head coach of Thai Premier League club Air Force United FC, and has held coaching and leadership roles across Europe and Asia. Brown holds a UEFA A License (Youth/Senior) and UEFA B Goalkeeping License (Youth/Senior).
"USF is a program with tremendous potential, and I'm excited to work alongside Alexis, our staff, and our players as we continue building something special," said Brown.
"Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to work in professional and international environments, and I'm excited to bring those experiences to help our players grow, compete, and represent the university with pride and a clear identity. I look forward to helping create a culture where high standards, continuous learning, and a winning mentality drive everything we do."
Brown has built an extensive coaching career spanning professional clubs, international soccer, and elite player development. Before moving into international soccer, he spent several years with Arsenal FC, where he served as Head of Academy Goalkeeping, working with goalkeepers including Emiliano "Emi" Martínez. He also worked with Arsenal Women as assistant goalkeeping coach, helping develop and support players including Kelly Smith and Leah Williamson. During his time with the club, Arsenal won the 2016 FA Women's Cup, securing their 14th title with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the final.
Brown later joined the Promotion Fund of Vietnamese Football Talents (PVF) as Head of Goalkeeping, working within one of Asia's premier player development academies. He then served as goalkeeping coach for the Vietnam Women's National Team and Vietnam U19 Women's National Team, before joining the Bangladesh National Team as goalkeeping coach. Brown subsequently moved to Air Force United FC in Thailand, where he held multiple senior leadership positions, including head coach, CEO, assistant manager, and head of goalkeeping.
Most recently, Brown has coached at the highest levels of youth soccer in the United States, helping develop elite Girls Academy and MLS NEXT players while bringing his international experience into the American collegiate game. His coaching philosophy combines European academy methodology with a strong emphasis on technical excellence, game intelligence, and player development.
Brown is also the head boys' varsity coach at St. Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco, having led the Wildcats to a first-place finish in the West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) in 2025-26.
Prior to coaching, Brown enjoyed a distinguished 18-year professional playing career, including time in the English Premier League with Blackburn Rovers FC, Leeds United, and Cardiff City. He made more than 130 appearances for Gillingham FC, earning multiple Player of the Year awards and establishing himself as one of the club's most respected goalkeepers.
Internationally, Brown earned multiple caps for the Wales National Team after receiving his first senior call-up from John Toshack, making his debut in the same match as Gareth Bale in 2012. Earlier in his career, he became and remains the only goalkeeper ever to be named Wales Young Player of the Year, receiving the honor in 2002.
Off the pitch, Brown has gained experience in media, working through guest appearances on Sky Sports (The Footballers' Football Show), BBC Radio 5 Live, and BBC Wales.
For updates and more information on the University of San Francisco women's soccer program, be sure to follow the Dons at @USFDonsWSoccer on X, @USFDonsWSoccer on Instagram, and @USFDonsWSOC on Facebook.
"Jason brings extensive knowledge and experience across elite European academy environments, international football, and top-level youth development in the United States," said Mata. "His work ethic speaks for itself. He shares our values of developing the person as well as the athlete, and has a strong desire to help grow this program. We're excited to have him join our staff."
Brown comes to the Hilltop after most recently coaching in elite youth development in the United States, where he worked with both Girls Academy and MLS NEXT players. Earlier in his career, he served as head coach of Thai Premier League club Air Force United FC, and has held coaching and leadership roles across Europe and Asia. Brown holds a UEFA A License (Youth/Senior) and UEFA B Goalkeeping License (Youth/Senior).
"USF is a program with tremendous potential, and I'm excited to work alongside Alexis, our staff, and our players as we continue building something special," said Brown.
"Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to work in professional and international environments, and I'm excited to bring those experiences to help our players grow, compete, and represent the university with pride and a clear identity. I look forward to helping create a culture where high standards, continuous learning, and a winning mentality drive everything we do."
Brown has built an extensive coaching career spanning professional clubs, international soccer, and elite player development. Before moving into international soccer, he spent several years with Arsenal FC, where he served as Head of Academy Goalkeeping, working with goalkeepers including Emiliano "Emi" Martínez. He also worked with Arsenal Women as assistant goalkeeping coach, helping develop and support players including Kelly Smith and Leah Williamson. During his time with the club, Arsenal won the 2016 FA Women's Cup, securing their 14th title with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the final.
Brown later joined the Promotion Fund of Vietnamese Football Talents (PVF) as Head of Goalkeeping, working within one of Asia's premier player development academies. He then served as goalkeeping coach for the Vietnam Women's National Team and Vietnam U19 Women's National Team, before joining the Bangladesh National Team as goalkeeping coach. Brown subsequently moved to Air Force United FC in Thailand, where he held multiple senior leadership positions, including head coach, CEO, assistant manager, and head of goalkeeping.
Most recently, Brown has coached at the highest levels of youth soccer in the United States, helping develop elite Girls Academy and MLS NEXT players while bringing his international experience into the American collegiate game. His coaching philosophy combines European academy methodology with a strong emphasis on technical excellence, game intelligence, and player development.
Brown is also the head boys' varsity coach at St. Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco, having led the Wildcats to a first-place finish in the West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) in 2025-26.
Prior to coaching, Brown enjoyed a distinguished 18-year professional playing career, including time in the English Premier League with Blackburn Rovers FC, Leeds United, and Cardiff City. He made more than 130 appearances for Gillingham FC, earning multiple Player of the Year awards and establishing himself as one of the club's most respected goalkeepers.
Internationally, Brown earned multiple caps for the Wales National Team after receiving his first senior call-up from John Toshack, making his debut in the same match as Gareth Bale in 2012. Earlier in his career, he became and remains the only goalkeeper ever to be named Wales Young Player of the Year, receiving the honor in 2002.
Off the pitch, Brown has gained experience in media, working through guest appearances on Sky Sports (The Footballers' Football Show), BBC Radio 5 Live, and BBC Wales.
For updates and more information on the University of San Francisco women's soccer program, be sure to follow the Dons at @USFDonsWSoccer on X, @USFDonsWSoccer on Instagram, and @USFDonsWSOC on Facebook.
Wednesday, September 14
Wednesday, September 14
Wednesday, September 14
Wednesday, September 14
